Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods of making materials, where at least one surface of the material utilizes an emulsion to controllably release active agents, which can include hydrophilic agents, into the surrounding environment. Preferably, the materials are ‘slippery’ in that liquid droplets and other compounds, such as aqueous fluids, organic compounds and microorganisms, are able to easily slide off the surface without adhering to the surface. The active agents released by the emulsion may include antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents and other molecules that can kill or otherwise reduce the number of the pathogens. The resulting materials have improved anti-fouling behaviors compared to many other existing types of anti-fouling surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making polymer-based multilayer thin films, and polymer-based multilayer thin films made thereof, using controlled hydrolysis of functional side groups, such as azlactone groups, to obtain desired levels of roughness, porosity, and chemical reactivity.

Abstract: This invention discloses spray-based methods for generating polymer-based coatings with a range of morphologies, chemical reactivities, and physical stabilities useful for a broad range of applications, such as for the fabrication of non-wetting and slippery surfaces. Certain embodiments of this invention provide coatings with nanoscale morphologies, physical stabilities, and chemical reactivities that are similar to or improved compared to analogous coatings and materials made using conventional dip coating or flow-based methods. These spray-based methods can also be used to fabricate coatings with substantially similar functional properties, but with improved consistency, efficiency, additional functionality, and reproducibility. In an aspect of the invention, two or more chemically reactive polymer solutions are sprayed onto a substrate to form a crosslinked polymer coating on the substrate. The polymer solutions may be applied to the substrate sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods of making materials, where at least one surface of the material utilizes an emulsion to controllably release active agents, which can include hydrophilic agents, into the surrounding environment. Preferably, the materials are ‘slippery’ in that liquid droplets and other compounds, such as aqueous fluids, organic compounds and microorganisms, are able to easily slide off the surface without adhering to the surface. The active agents released by the emulsion may include antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents and other molecules that can kill or otherwise reduce the number of the pathogens. The resulting materials have improved anti-fouling behaviors compared to many other existing types of anti-fouling surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer-based slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can prevent adhesion and colonization by fungal and bacterial pathogens and also kill and/or attenuate the colonization and virulence of non-adherent pathogens in surrounding media. The present approach exploits the polymer and liquid oil phases in these slippery materials to sustain the release of small molecules such as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, an agent that modulates bacterial or fungal quorum sensing, an agent that attenuates virulence, or a combination thereof. This controlled release approach improves the inherent anti-fouling properties of SLIPS, has the potential to be general in scope, and expands the potential utility of slippery, non-fouling surfaces in both fundamental and applied contexts.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer-based slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can prevent adhesion and colonization by fungal and bacterial pathogens and also kill and/or attenuate the colonization and virulence of non-adherent pathogens in surrounding media. The present approach exploits the polymer and liquid oil phases in these slippery materials to sustain the release of small molecules such as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, an agent that modulates bacterial or fungal quorum sensing, an agent that attenuates virulence, or a combination thereof. This controlled release approach improves the inherent anti-fouling properties of SLIPS, has the potential to be general in scope, and expands the potential utility of slippery, non-fouling surfaces in both fundamental and applied contexts.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making polymer-based multilayer thin films, and polymer-based multilayer thin films made thereof, using controlled hydrolysis of functional side groups, such as azlactone groups, to obtain desired levels of roughness, porosity, and chemical reactivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer-based slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can prevent adhesion and colonization by fungal and bacterial pathogens and also kill and/or attenuate the colonization and virulence of non-adherent pathogens in surrounding media. The present approach exploits the polymer and liquid oil phases in these slippery materials to sustain the release of small molecules such as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, an agent that modulates bacterial or fungal quorum sensing, an agent that attenuates virulence, or a combination thereof. This controlled release approach improves the inherent anti-fouling properties of SLIPS, has the potential to be general in scope, and expands the potential utility of slippery, non-fouling surfaces in both fundamental and applied contexts.

Abstract: Compounds described herein inhibit biofilm formation or disperse pre-formed biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria. Biofilm-inhibitory compounds can be encapsulated or contained in a polymer matrix for controlled release. Coatings, films, multilayer films, hydrogels, microspheres and nanospheres as well as pharmaceutical compositions and disinfecting compositions containing biofilm-inhibitory compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting formation of biofilms or dispersing already formed biofilms are provided. Methods for treating infections of gram-negative bacteria which form biofilms, particularly those of Pseudomonas and more particularly P. aeruginosa.

Abstract: Described is a method of synthesizing nucleic acids on polyester substrates and the resulting compositions of matter. The method synthesizes nucleic acids from surface hydroxyl initiation points present on the substrate surface. These surface hydroxyls are present either naturally, or as a result of a chemical treatment to cleave ester bonds on the substrate surface. The preferred polyester substrate contains PET.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer-based slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can prevent adhesion and colonization by fungal and bacterial pathogens and also kill and/or attenuate the colonization and virulence of non-adherent pathogens in surrounding media. The present approach exploits the polymer and liquid oil phases in these slippery materials to sustain the release of small molecules such as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, an agent that modulates bacterial or fungal quorum sensing, an agent that attenuates virulence, or a combination thereof. This controlled release approach improves the inherent anti-fouling properties of SLIPS, has the potential to be general in scope, and expands the potential utility of slippery, non-fouling surfaces in both fundamental and applied contexts.

Abstract: Poly(?-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods utilizing redox-active surfactants to provide electrochemical control over polymer interactions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a transfection method using a redox-active transfection agent that preferentially promotes transfection dependent on the oxidation state of the transfection agent. Accordingly, certain methods according to the invention provide spatial and/or temporal control of cell transfection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for immobilizing micrometer sized liquid domains onto a chemically functionalized substrate surface are disclosed. A multifunctional polymer is adsorbed at the surface interface of the liquid microdomains, and the liquid microdomains are immobilized by covalent bonding or non-covalent forces such as electrostatic attraction between the adsorbed multifunctional polymer and the functionalized substrate surface.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing biocidal co-polymers of poly(styrenes), poly(acrylates), poly(acrylamides), and poly(C1-C6)alkylene glycols are disclosed, along with methods of using the compositions to treat microbial infections in mammals.

Abstract: Poly(?-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing biocidal co-polymers of poly(styrenes), poly(acrylates), poly(acrylamides), and poly(C1-C6)alkylene glycols are disclosed, along with methods of using the compositions to treat microbial infections in mammals.

Abstract: Poly(?-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing biocidal co-polymers of poly(styrenes), poly(acrylates), poly(acrylamides), and poly(C1-C6)alkylene glycols are disclosed, along with methods of using the compositions to treat microbial infections in mammals.

Abstract: A class of anionic oligomers and polymers that function for inhibition of nucleases, particularly RNase. Specific inhibitors include mixtures of oligomers of vinyl sulfate. Methods for inhibition or inactivation of one or more nucleases in vitro which comprises the step of contacting the one or more nucleases in a biological medium with one or more of the anionic oligomeric or polymeric inhibitors of this invention. Kits for carrying out a biological procedure, biological reaction and/or a biological assay containing one or more inhibitors of this invention. The use of oligomers and/or polymers of this invention as additives in buffers or reagents. The inhibitors of the invention can also be attached to surfaces to provide for removal of nucleases from media, solutions or other liquids in contact with the solid.